Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Volvo XC60 delivers on looks and lux - handling, too. Nav? Not so much.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/review-2010-volvo-xc60-delivers-on-looks-and-lux-handling-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/review-2010-volvo-xc60-delivers-on-looks-and-lux-handling-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/review-2010-volvo-xc60-delivers-on-looks-and-lux-handling-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Volvo XC60 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo has seen better days. Just a few short years ago, the Swedish automaker was the lone bright spot in Ford's European luxury operation, boasting impressive sales and actual profits. Fast-forward to 2009, and the situation couldn't be more different. Sales are downright depressing, revenues are worse, and the automaker has a "For Sale" sign on the front lawn, yet nobody has bothered to show up for the open house. For Volvo to have a legitimate chance of survival, all future products have to be home runs, beginning with the XC60 crossover.

The XC60 slots below the XC70 wagon and the XC90 crossover, finally giving Volvo a player in the lucrative entry-level luxury crossover realm. The stalwarts of the segment - the Lexus RX and Acura MDX - play to consumer's needs and desires, offering superior reliability, inoffensive looks, maxed out interiors, and top-notch tech options. Looking at the XC60 from afar, the newest Volvo passes the appearance and interior test, but does it have enough to get customers back into Volvo showrooms? Make the jump to find out.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Volvo XC60


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Volvo XC60 delivers on looks and lux - handling, too. Nav? Not so much.

Review: 2010 Volvo XC60 delivers on looks and lux - handling, too. Nav? Not so much. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

What better way to kick off the weekend than Episode #136 of the Autoblog Podcast? Okay, so it's a thin excuse for delivering this edition late, but here it is. Chris, Sam and Dan congregate and discuss a few issues, starting with the manual transmission issues afflicting some Chevrolet Camaros. Sticking with General Motors, we cover Bob Lutz's comments on the Z28, the CTS-V Coupe, and the possible transmogrification of the Pontiac G8 into the Chevrolet Caprice (not gonna happen). The GM talk wraps up with a mulling of the Porsche Panamera's showing on the Nurburgring, besting the CTS-V's time. After plenty of time on GM, we move across town to Ford and kick around the idea of a Fusion-based Taurus before leaving the country entirely and discussing Hyundai's Cash for Clunkers pre-emptive strike. Your questions and comments wrap it all up, and as usual, keep those rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, and hit the survey, if you haven't already. Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #136

Autoblog Podcast #136 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Kia Soul - Click above for high-res image gallery

Greeting the Kia Soul with low expectations didn't make sense. Perhaps the details of the funkwagon's story seemed overly familiar at first blush - Kia wants, nay, needs to be more than just the bargain-basement Hyundai store. Differentiating product lines with the help of bold design has been tried before, and the results have been disastrous more often than they've been wildly successful. Finding out that the Soul's styling inspiration was a wild boar sent the cynical mind of this autowriter reeling, preparing to suffer with a bore of a swine-inspired car. But Kia's been on a roll lately with aggressively priced product that's well equipped and imbued with performance that's often more inspired than the sum of its parts. If any brand stands a chance of melding its design studio's hit parade with tuning that lives up to the looks, it's Kia... right?


Gallery: Review: 2010 Kia Soul


Photos Copyright (C)2009 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Kia Soul deserves to be breakout hit for brand

Review: 2010 Kia Soul deserves to be breakout hit for brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 kia2010 kia soul2010Kia2010KiaSoulautoblog garageAutoblogGaragefeaturedin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragekiakia soulkia soul autoblog garagekia soul reviewKiaSoulKiaSoulAutoblogGarageKiaSoulReviewReviewReviewssoulWed, 10 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/review-2009-cadillac-cts-v-supercar-performance-everyday-driv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/review-2009-cadillac-cts-v-supercar-performance-everyday-driv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/review-2009-cadillac-cts-v-supercar-performance-everyday-driv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite recent products to the contrary, when much of America thinks "Cadillac," a lot of people still recall the land yachts of the '70s and '80s. Hoods and decks marginally shorter than your average aircraft carrier, and Sedan de Villes and Fleetwoods serving as hearses or transportation for those awaiting a ride in one. But something happened to Cadillac a few years back. After several failed attempts to compete with the Germans (Seville STS, Allante and Catera), General Motors began crafting a strategy to take on the luxury marques abroad. At the forefront of that movement is the Cadillac CTS and the pinnacle of their efforts is this, the CTS-V. To paraphrase and co-opt the grizzled Oldsmobile tag-line: "The 2009 CTS-V is not your grandfather's Cadillac." Not by a long shot.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability

Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

We spent a few precious hours in the 2010 Ford Mustang GT toward the end of last year. More recently, we were able to get a Kona Blue model in the Autoblog Garage, and this time, we spent a full week exploring the car's metropolis manners in between long rounds in the saddle, throwing the car over hill and dale... and around the track. This Mustang promises much, and on our First Drive, it delivered as promised. Follow the jump to see if it could do the same for an entire week.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Mustang GT


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Mustang GT - A full week changes attitudes

Review: 2010 Ford Mustang GT - A full week changes attitudes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above to watch video after the jump

The pickup market may be contracting, but the trucks themselves are better than ever. Two substantially new full-size trucks have gone on sale recently, the 2009 Ford F-150 and 2009 Dodge Ram, and we've already had the chance to park both in the Autoblog Garage for a week. The F-150 tows more, carries a higher payload and is the all-time leader in sales. The Dodge Ram is arguably the better looking truck, sports a vastly improved interior and its 390-hp HEMI V8 engine is a true powerhouse. Follow the jump to view our video comparison of these two new pickup trucks. They're both deserving of high praise, but only one has what it takes to be the king of the Autoblog Garage.

Related:

Continue reading VIDEO: 2009 Ford F-150 versus 2009 Dodge Ram

VIDEO: 2009 Ford F-150 versus 2009 Dodge Ram originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Dodge Ram2009 Ford F-1502009DodgeRam2009FordF-150Autoblog GarageAutoblogGarageDodgeDodge RamDodgeRamF-150featuredFordFord F-150FordF-150RamMon, 23 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Ford Focus SES Coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-ford-focus-ses-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-ford-focus-ses-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-ford-focus-ses-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 Ford Focus SES Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been just over a year since we reviewed our last Focus, a 2008 SES Coupe, and we were willing to bet the farm back then that its new design wouldn't go over well with buyers. But $4/gallon gas and the unexpected popularity of Ford's SYNC system have contributed to Focus sales rising 15.7% year-over-year through November. So what the Hell do we know?

Apparently something, as Ford has tweaked the Focus Coupe for 2009 despite its sales success. While the Focus sedan remains largely the same except for a new, top-level SEL model and the availability of electronic stability control, the '09 Coupe both looks and drives different than its predecessor. Ford recently dropped off a 2009 Focus SES Coupe for us to play with, so follow the jump to see if this year's version is any better than the last.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Ford Focus SES Coupe


Photos Copyright (C)2008 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Ford Focus SES Coupe

Review: 2009 Ford Focus SES Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res image gallery of the Dodge Challenger SRT8

Back in September we reviewed the V6-powered Dodge Challenger SE, and our conclusion was that an uninspiring engine and benign handling was trumped by terrific curb appeal and an affordable price tag. The R/T model we reviewed yesterday fared even better, with a near perfect combination of brawn and beauty. It was fun spending time behind the wheel of both the SE and R/T models, but we knew we had to get our hands on a fire-breathing, 425-hp 6.1L HEMI V8 to see how capable the Challenger could be at full tilt. After all, there are few things in life better than classic muscle car looks combined with a brute-force V8. And if there are two available V8 engines, it just makes sense that we'd prefer the Challenger with the most powerful powerplant. Did Dodge hit the mark with its top Challenger? We welcomed the Challenger SRT8 into the Autoblog Garage to find out for ourselves.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8

In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Dodge Challenger R/T - Click above for high-res image gallery

For all the problems it faces, Chrysler has to be happy with this: the Dodge Challenger rollout has gone about as well as anyone could have hoped. Everyone wanted this car to happen from the moment it appeared as a concept back in 2006. Back then, the S197 Mustang was still new and demonstrating that retro done right can be a very good thing. Flash forward to today and following a brief, SRT8-only 2008 model year run, the Dodge Challenger is now available in three distinct trim levels. We've already reviewed the stylish and value-priced, six-cylinder SE model, and we'll soon give you our take on the top-tier knuckle-dragger, the SRT8. That leaves the mainstream muscle - the R/T. We recently welcomed a silver example equipped with the hotly-anticipated six-speed manual gearbox into the Autoblog Garage. But is it something you'll want to welcome into your garage?


Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T

Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche makes sports cars backed by a rich tradition and race history. The thought of something wearing the badge that's also able to cart around your family and a load of their assorted junk was once laughable. Today, of course, that thought manifests itself in the form of the Porsche Cayenne. Even now, the idea of the Porsche SUV still seems wrong. Sure, the red Cayenne GTS in the Autoblog Garage has a spec sheet that looks exciting on paper. 405 V8-sourced horses and that shield on the hood makes you almost forget the five doors and 4,900 pounds that fill out the rest of the package. Read on to find out how the 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS fared as a family hauler during a quick vacation up the coast.


Gallery: Review: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Alex Nunez / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Review: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

What a difference 20 inches and 1,000 lbs makes. The latest occupant of the Autoblog Garage is the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG. You might recall that a few months ago we tried out one of the big dogs from the Benz lineup, the S63 AMG and came away somewhat awed by the technology but distressed by the driving experience. This time around we got the baby brother of the family and found what may well be the best driver's car in the current Daimler lineup. Ever since the C-class was born as the 190E back in the '80s, Mercedes and BMW have had a back and forth rivalry in the high performance compact sport sedan/coupe segment. As the M3 has grown and evolved over the past two decades, so to has the Stuttgart challenger.

Just like the original M3, the lineage started with the four-cylinder 16-valve 190E-2.3-16 and has grown through a succession of V6 and V8 engines. Despite the nomenclature, this latest edition is stuffed full of 6.2L of AMG V8 dripping with power and torque. Can the latest C63 finally topple the M3 from its throne? Find out after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Review: 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG - Click above for high-res gallery

Finding the ideal luxury sports car is a Goldilocks proposition: cars that fulfill either descriptive - luxury or sports - are piled high as Annapurna. For instance, the Ferrari F430 is a luxurious sports car, but it's not a luxury car. The current CL63 is a sporty luxury car, but it's not a sports car. Try to find a conveyance in which the little girl with the golden locks would sigh "This one is just right" - a car that has the sporting reflexes to keep her heart beating and a cabin supple enough for her to unwind in when the twisties are finished - and you see the field is disturbingly minuscule. Against all odds, the SL63 is that car: Goldilocks' Golden Mean. Follow the jump to find out how and why, and check out the gallery of high-res images below.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Mercedes SL63 AMG and SL600

Review: 2009 Mercedes SL63 AMG and SL600 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgautoblog garageAutoblogGarageconvertiblesfeaturedin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragemercedes-benzmercedes-benz sl-classmercedes-benz sl600mercedes-benz sl63 amgMercedes-benzSl-classMercedes-benzSl600Mercedes-benzSl63Amgreviewroadsterssl-classsl600sl63sl63 amgsl63amgsports carsSportsCarsThu, 16 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/in-the-autobog-garage-2009-chevy-cobalt-ss-turbo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/in-the-autobog-garage-2009-chevy-cobalt-ss-turbo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/in-the-autobog-garage-2009-chevy-cobalt-ss-turbo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

The first-gen Cobalt SS failed to deliver with a supercharged 2.0L Ecotec four-cylinder producing 205 horsepower and a cast of supporting components that did little to hide the Cobalt's rental car roots. But then something entirely unexpected happened. The GM Performance Division completely reworked the Cobalt SS for 2008, swapping in a more powerful turbocharged engine, upgrading the rest of the mechanicals, and tweaking the entire package on the world's most demanding race tracks, including the famed Nürburgring in Germany.

The result is - and we're not kidding here - the most impressive performance car to wear a bow-tie badge on sale today*. Exactly how General Motors turned a bottom-of-the-pack, front-wheel-drive econocar into a class-leading sport compact is revealed after the jump.

*My colleagues thought it best to explain this statement. There's not a bow-tie badge to be found on the Corvette and you can't find a Camaro SS on a dealer lot anywhere yet.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo


Photos Copyright (C)2008 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo

Review: 2009 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Chevy Corvette Z06 - Click above for high-res image gallery

I received an Indy 500 poster on my birthday in 1986 that featured a Yellow C4 Corvette pace car leading the pack. My dad hung the poster above my bed, and I can honestly say that I stared at it every night for years. The Corvette was my dream car for my entire childhood, but as an adult I turned my attention to European rides like the Porsche 911 and the Ferrari 360 Modena.

When the C6 Corvette hit the scene for the 2005 model year, the Bow Tie brand's halo vehicle again had me pining for some General Motors muscle. GM gave the base Vette the same 400 horsepower as the C5 Z06, and I figured it was all the power I could ever want. That is, until the 2006 Z06 came along. The Z06 was kicking ass on the track and in enthusiast magazines, and it was toppling competition that far exceeded the Corvette's $70,000 price of entry. We never had the Z06 in the Autoblog Garage, so we were more than happy to take it off Chevy's hands for a week. Hit the jump to see if the Z06 met our lofty expectations from childhood.


Gallery: Review: 2008 Chevy Corvette Z06


All photos copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid/Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2008 Chevy Corvette Z06

Review: 2008 Chevy Corvette Z06 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini Murcielago LP460 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As we all know, there are supercars, and then... there's the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640. It has been called old and overweight, it has been called impractical and overpriced, it has been called out for its propensity to make 10-year-old boys lick its windows. When we got word that the LP640 would be stopping by the Autoblog Garage for a weekend, it was our chance to see if the childhood dream was still potent enough to answer adult desires. We've driven the Bugatti Veyron, Bentley Continental GT Speed, Porsche GT2, Corvette ZR1, Dodge Viper ACR and even Lambo's own Gallardo LP560, and they were showstoppers. But when we finally met this Lambo, we had only one thing to say: Great googlymoogly!


Gallery: Review: 2008 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

Review: Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog garageAutoblogGaragefeaturedin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragelamborghinilamborghini murcielagolamborghini murcielago lp640LamborghiniMurcielagoLamborghiniMurcielagoLp640murcielagomurcielago lp640MurcielagoLp640reviewreviewssupercarsupercarsMon, 22 Sep 2008 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/10/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mitsubishi-evolution-x-mr/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/10/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mitsubishi-evolution-x-mr/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/10/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mitsubishi-evolution-x-mr/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's a revelation: being stuck in traffic sucks. And it's even more infuriating behind the wheel of an Evo.

Despite what some scribes might lead you to believe, the Evos of yore (VIII and IX) weren't deplorable daily drivers. Granted, Mitsu's engineers erred on the stiff side with the Evo's ride, and it didn't help that the tiller provided more feedback than a Metallica sound check. But the real reason jaded journos harped on the old Evo's workaday unfriendliness was because nothing is more frustrating than piloting concentrated adrenaline in a sea of buzzkill.

With the 2008 Evolution X, Mitsubishi attempted to rectify some of the Evo's (perceived) shortcomings by equipping the range-topping MR with more amenities, more sound-deadening material, a more compliant ride and a new twin-clutch transmission to balance back-road thrills with daily livability.

But all those extras have caused the Evo's curb weight to skyrocket, and its price tag has followed suit. For $42,000 - the sticker on our MR tester - you can get your hands on the new yardstick for high-end, entry-level performance: the BMW 335i. While that kind of wallet shock could ostracize the Evo's core demographic, Mitsubishi is quick to point out that the new MR is for the discerning enthusiast: a more sensible, mature owner. But does mature mean infirmed? Read on to find out.


Gallery: Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Brad Wood / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR

Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20082008 mitsubishi evolution x mr2008MitsubishiEvolutionXMrautoblog garageAutoblogGaragedrivenevoevolutionfeaturedin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragelancerlancer evoLancerEvomitsubishimitsubishi evolution x mrMitsubishiEvolutionXMrmrreviewroad testRoadTesttest driveTestDrivexWed, 10 Sep 2008 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2008 Hyundai Accent SE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-hyundai-accent-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-hyundai-accent-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-hyundai-accent-se/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2008 Hyundai Accent SE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Dismal little car. That's what you'd hear 20 years ago when the conversation turned to Hyundai. The Excel wasn't as terrible as a Yugo, or even as horrifically unreliable as sneering Peugeots, but it wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms. Back then, even Japanese brands were still targets of xenophobia; who was this Korean company trying to fool?

Hyundai persevered, and now the South Korean industrial giant is making vehicles that garner good recommendations and carry one of the best warranties in the business. Hyundai's Accent could be considered a spiritual successor to the unloved Excel, and it carries on that car's basic formula of delivering a comparable car for less money than the competition. What do you give up to get a car that's not stripped, yet still cheaper?


Gallery: Review: Hyundai Accent SE


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

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Review: 2008 Hyundai Accent SE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 Hyundai Accent SE2008HyundaiAccentSeaccentautoblog garageAutoblogGaragefeaturedhyundaiHyundai AccentHyundai Accent SEHyundaiAccentHyundaiAccentSeIn the Autoblog GarageInTheAutoblogGaragereviewTue, 09 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/05/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-jaguar-xf-supercharged/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/05/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-jaguar-xf-supercharged/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/05/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-jaguar-xf-supercharged/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford Motor Company sent Jaguar packing this year when it sold the storied English automaker, along with Land Rover, to Indian mega corp. Tata. On its way out the door, Jaguar took something special: the XF sedan. Its entire development process having been carried out under the stewardship of Ford, the XF is easily the most tasty fruit born of the cross pollination between the Blue Oval and Leaping Cat since they were first joined back in 1989. Read on to find out how the 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharge fared in the Autoblog Garage.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged


All photos Copyright (C)2008 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged

Review: 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 jaguar xf supercharged2009JaguarXfSuperchargedautoblog garageAutoblogGaragefeaturedin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragejaguarjaguar xfjaguar xf superchargedJaguarXfJaguarXfSuperchargedreviewxfxf superchargedXfSuperchargedFri, 05 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: KITT Shelby GT500 KR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/in-the-autoblog-garage-kitt-shelby-gt500-kr/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/in-the-autoblog-garage-kitt-shelby-gt500-kr/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/in-the-autoblog-garage-kitt-shelby-gt500-kr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


KITT Shelby GT500 KR - Click above for high-res image gallery

At age 8, I had a bed time that ranged from 8:30-9:00 PM. That time went unmodified for years, until my dad decided that I could stay up once a week to watch a new show called Knight Rider. It featured my favorite new car at the time; the Pontiac Firebird. The original KITT was black, looked fast, and had more whiz-bang features than any of Bond's Astons.

Fast forward to 2008 and blogging can keep me up to 1:00 AM or later, but my late night job has some serious benefits. I get to drive the cars of my dreams. About a week before this year's Woodward Dream Cruise, though, I had just such a vehicle drop into my lap. We got a call from Ford that a very exciting vehicle was available for the taking; a replica of the actual Ford Mustang GT500 KR that plays KITT in the upcoming television series. It's no Firebird and it certainly doesn't come from General Motors, but it just may be one of the coolest vehicles on the road today at any price. Hit the jump to read our starry-eyed rendezvous with KITT.


Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: KITT Shelby GT500 KR


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: KITT Shelby GT500 KR

Review: KITT Shelby GT500 KR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Autoblog GarageAutoblogGaragefeaturedFordhasselhoffKITT mustangKittMustangKnight RiderKnightRiderShelby GT500 KRShelbyGt500KrTue, 02 Sep 2008 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Dodge Journey R/T]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-dodge-journey-r-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-dodge-journey-r-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-dodge-journey-r-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Dodge Journey R/T - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2009 Dodge Journey carries the size and shape of a typical crossover, and it has seating for seven and all the amenities you could possibly ask for at $30,000. On paper, the Journey has a plenty of things in its favor, yet we had our doubts.

First off, it looks a lot like the Dodge Caravan, which works against the Journey when considering that many crossover buyers want to avoid the minivan stigma. It's also based on the less than impressive Chrysler Sebring platform, which we have found to be just awful. Then there is Chrysler's corporate 3.5L engine, which is less powerful, refined and efficient than similarly sized engines from its competition. Chrysler's recent track record for vehicles that are less than class competitive also lent support to our notion that the Journey might be a letdown. Regardless, we tried to clear our minds of these things when the Journey arrived for a week-long stay in the Autoblog Garage. Hit the jump to see how Chrysler's new crossover fared.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Journey R/T


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Dodge Journey R/T

Review: 2009 Dodge Journey R/T originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Dodge Journey2009 dodge journey rt2009DodgeJourney2009DodgeJourneyRtautoblog garageAutoblogGaragecrossoverdodgedodge journeydodge journey rtDodgeJourneyDodgeJourneyRtfeaturedIn the autoblog garage dodge journeyInTheAutoblogGarageDodgeJourneyjourneyreviewvehicle review JourneyVehicleReviewJourneyWed, 27 Aug 2008 12:18:00 EST